What are ‘Office Hours’? A Guide for University Students
University life offers a lot of independence, but that can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t fully understand a lecture, struggle with an assignment, or just want some extra guidance. Fortunately, there’s an underused resource available to all students: office hours.
Many students either don’t know about office hours or feel unsure about how to use them effectively. This guide will break down what office hours are, why they matter, and how you can make the most of them to improve your academic success.
What Are Office Hours?
Office hours are set times when your lecturers or tutors are available to meet with students outside of class. These meetings can take place in person (in their office) or online, depending on the university and the lecturer's preferences.
You can usually find information about office hours:
In your course handbook or module guide
On your university’s virtual learning platform (such as Moodle or Blackboard)
Via email announcements from your lecturer
On your department’s website
Some office hours are drop-in sessions, where you can visit without an appointment, while others require you to book a slot in advance. Either way, they provide a dedicated opportunity for you to get personalised academic support.
Why Should You Attend Office Hours?
Many students hesitate to attend office hours because they assume they’re only for those who are struggling or that they are set times for lecturers to get work done in their office. However, office hours can benefit all students, regardless of their academic performance. Here’s why:
Clarify Course Material
Lectures and readings can sometimes be dense or complex. If you didn’t fully grasp a concept, office hours are a chance to ask for clarification directly from the lecturer. You can:
Go over difficult topics from lectures
Ask about additional readings or resources
Gain deeper insights into the subject
Get Feedback on Your Work
If you're working on an essay, project, or dissertation, office hours allow you to get direct feedback before submitting your work. While lecturers won’t necessarily proofread your paper, they can:
Help refine your arguments
Suggest ways to strengthen your analysis
Clarify marking criteria so you know what’s expected
Explore Interests and Career Advice
Many students don’t realise that office hours aren’t just for coursework. If you’re interested in research opportunities, further study, or career advice, your lecturers can:
Recommend books or areas for further study
Provide insight into postgraduate programmes
Offer guidance on career paths related to the subject
Build a Professional Relationship with Your Lecturer
Developing a good academic relationship with your lecturers can be helpful for networking, references, and mentorship. If you ever need a reference for a job or postgraduate application, it helps if your lecturer actually knows you beyond just your name on a grade sheet.
Making the Most of Office Hours
Once you decide to attend office hours, here’s how to ensure you get the most out of them:
Come Prepared
To avoid wasting time, come with a clear idea of what you want to discuss. Good preparation includes:
Reviewing lecture notes and identifying specific areas of confusion
Bringing assignment drafts if you want feedback
Writing down questions in advance
Be Professional, but Relaxed
Office hours are an academic setting, but they’re also meant to be a casual, open conversation. You don’t need to be overly formal, but:
Be respectful of their time—don’t show up expecting them to reteach an entire lecture
Be concise—get to the point and make the most of your time
Be engaged—listen actively and take notes
Take Notes
Since you might discuss several points during office hours, take notes on key advice so you can apply it later. If your lecturer recommends a book, a study technique, or a revision strategy, write it down so you don’t forget.
Follow Up
If your lecturer gives you useful advice, consider sending a quick thank-you email or following up on their suggestions in a later meeting. This shows initiative and builds rapport.
‘They’re only for struggling students.’
False! Even high-achieving students can benefit from office hours. Whether you’re looking for deeper insights, feedback, or career advice, office hours provide value for all students.
‘Lecturers don’t want to be bothered.’
Lecturers set aside office hours specifically to help students, so they expect and welcome visits. It’s part of their role, and most appreciate students who show initiative.
‘I should only go if I have a big problem.’
Even small clarifications can make a big difference in your understanding and performance. It’s much better to address confusion early rather than waiting until you’re struggling.
Conclusion
Office hours are an extremely valuable yet highly underused academic resource at university. They’re an opportunity to get personalised support, improve your work, and build relationships with your lecturers.
If you’ve never attended office hours before, challenge yourself to go at least once this term. Whether you need help with coursework, feedback on an essay, or career advice, taking the initiative to attend office hours can enhance your university experience and set you up for success.
